Local SWAT members attend teen tobacco summit in Tampa

Published Sunday, March 05, 2006

A total of 10 St. Johns County Students Working Against Tobacco delegates headed to Tampa last weekend for the ninth annual Teen Tobacco Summit. Representing The Bolles School were Brittany Glenos, St. Johns County SWAT chairman; Shannon Bradford and Elizabeth Stroud. John Jertson, chairman of the St. Joseph Academy SWAT team; Ivy Nacol and Rose Dold attended on behalf of St. Joseph Academy.

About 250 middle and high school youth from most Florida counties participated in summit, which is sponsored by the Florida Department of Health. While in Tampa, the youths learned about the ways some believe the tobacco industry manipulates its advertising to entice young smokers. They also shared the tactics and activities they have used in their home counties to educate their peers about tobacco industry practices and the devastation of nicotine addiction.

Despite limited funding, the local St. Johns County SWAT organization continues to be active by sponsoring events such as the SWAT Reindeer Run and taking their message to schools and venues that attract other youths. Any student who wants to join SWAT can call the SWAT office at 825-5055, ext. 1029.